American biochemist Paul Berg (b. 1926) has been making
outstanding contributions to biochemistry and molecular
biology for over fifty years. As a young researcher he
resolved several key problems in metabolic chemistry, and went
on to discover the mechanisms by which DNA and RNA direct the
synthesis of proteins in living systems. In 1972, he and his
colleagues at Stanford University synthesized the first
recombinant DNA (rDNA), and he subsequently led the
international community of rDNA researchers in their efforts
to address the potential physical and ethical hazards posed by
that revolutionary technology. He received the 1980 Nobel
Prize in Chemistry for his protein synthesis and rDNA work.

As part of its Profiles in Science project, the
National Library of Medicine has collaborated with
Stanford University Libraries Department of Special Collections and University Archives to digitize and make available over
the World Wide Web a selection of the
Paul Berg Papers for use by educators and
researchers. This site provides access to the portions
of the Paul Berg Papers of Stanford University Libraries Department of Special Collections and University Archives that
have been selected for digitization.
Individuals interested in conducting research in the
Paul Berg Papers are invited to contact
Stanford University Libraries Department of Special Collections and University Archives.

This online Exhibit is designed to introduce you to the
various phases of Berg's
scientific career and professional life. It is divided
into sections that focus on
Berg's life and major
scientific contributions. We suggest that new visitors
begin with this exhibit, which includes a small
selection of documents and visuals, organized within
these sections. Each section begins with a "Background
Narrative," which leads to "Documents" and "Visuals."

Visitors may access additional materials through
Search
on the navigation bar. They may also view the materials
alphabetically or chronologically by choosing
Browse
on the navigation bar. Documents and visuals in these
lists are arranged by format and then either
alphabetically by title or chronologically.